Equestrianism: Women ride out: World Games

BRITAIN will rely on six women riders for the three- day event at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague, where their competition will begin before the opening ceremony on 27 July, writes Genevieve Murphy. Four will be chosen for the team, leaving two to ride as individuals.

The squad include two Olympic riders (Karen Dixon and Mary Thomson) and three who made their senior squad debuts last year (Charlotte Bathe, Helen Bell and Kristina Gifford). The latter trio took part in the European Championships in Germany, where the stylish Gifford won an individual silver medal.

Caroline Sizer, 30, who is the only newcomer, came into the reckoning after finishing 13th at Badminton on Ghost Town. Dixon was an automatic choice, having been the best-placed British rider when sixth at the 1992 Olympics and this year's Badminton Three-Day Event on Get Smart.

The dressage team include Emile Faurie, Laura Fry and Ferdi Eilberg. The trio were on the team who made a long- awaited breakthrough in British dressage by winning silver medals at last year's European Championships. Faurie also won an individual bronze medal on Virtu.

Jane Bredin's 10-year-old Cupido did not make his Grand Prix debut until this year, but the Dutch-bred chestnut has already made a big impression and he has the talent to keep improving.

BRITISH SQUADS FOR THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES (The Hague, 27 July-7 August): Three-Day Event: C Bathe (The Cool Customer), H Bell (Troubleshooter), K Dixon (Get Smart and Too Smart), K Gifford (Song and Dance Man and General Jock), C Sizer (Ghost Town), M Thomson (King William). Dressage: J Bredin (Cupido), F Eilberg (Arun Tor), E Faurie (Virtu), L Fry (Quarryman).